Kamil Perry
Swiss cheese is a delicate food whose composition and flavor can easily change based on temperature, air, and its ability to breathe. While it is best to refrigerate Swiss cheese until ready to eat, it is recommended to allow it to come to room temperature to enjoy its fullest flavor. Proper storage is essential to maximize the shelf life of Swiss cheese. Unopened Swiss cheese can be kept in its original packaging in the refrigerator, while opened Swiss cheese should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then covered in plastic wrap.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Refrigerate and wrap in wax or parchment paper, then cover in plastic wrap. |
| Shelf Life | 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. |
| Extending Shelf Life | Freeze in portions of no more than 1/2 pound, wrapped tightly in heavy-duty foil or plastic freezer wrap, or a heavy-duty freezer bag. |
| Freezer Shelf Life | Best quality for up to 6 months but safe indefinitely at a constant 0°F. |
| Defrosted | Use within 3-4 days or 2-3 weeks, depending on the defrost method. |
| Spoilage Indicators | Hard texture, dark colour, strong odour, mould. |
| Mould Action | Cut away at least 1 inch around and below the mould, then re-wrap. |
| Mould on Sliced/Shredded Cheese | Discard the entire package. |
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What You'll Learn
Storage conditions
The best way to store Swiss cheese depends on whether it has been pre-sliced or not. If you have purchased a block of Swiss cheese, it is best to wrap it in parchment or wax paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. This will help to maintain its moisture and flavour.
If you have purchased pre-sliced Swiss cheese, you can store it in its original store packaging in the refrigerator. To maximise its shelf life, do not open the package until you are ready to use it. You can also freeze pre-sliced Swiss cheese to extend its shelf life. When freezing, wrap the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Regardless of whether your Swiss cheese is a block or pre-sliced, it is important to always keep it refrigerated. Swiss cheese should be stored at a temperature of 0°F or lower to ensure safety. If you have already opened or cut into the cheese, it is especially important to store it properly to prevent it from drying out and losing flavour.
When storing Swiss cheese, avoid wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap without using parchment or wax paper first. Swiss cheese is an organic food whose composition can easily change based on temperature, air, and its ability to "breathe". Wrapping it tightly in plastic without a layer of paper can alter its composition and flavour.
To enjoy Swiss cheese at its best, allow it to come to room temperature before serving. This can take up to an hour, but it will be worth the wait as it will allow you to fully appreciate the distinct and delicate flavour of the cheese.
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Freezing unopened Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese, which means it holds up better in the freezer than softer cheeses. Freezing unopened Swiss cheese can extend its shelf life indefinitely, but it's best used within six months of freezing.
To freeze unopened Swiss cheese, ensure it is in its original airtight packaging. If the packaging has been opened, transfer the cheese to heavy-duty plastic freezer wrap or aluminium foil, ensuring it is wrapped tightly. Then, place it in a freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn and protect the cheese from air exposure, which can cause freezer burn and affect the flavour and texture.
When you are ready to use the cheese, defrost it in the refrigerator and use it quickly once it's thawed. Frozen Swiss cheese tends to become crumbly and is best suited for cooked dishes, such as casseroles, sauces, or pasta. It may not be ideal for cheese platters or sandwiches, as it can be difficult to slice and will likely have a different texture and flavour.
Overall, freezing unopened Swiss cheese can be a great way to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste, but it's important to follow proper freezing and thawing techniques to maintain the best quality.
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Signs that Swiss cheese has gone bad
Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese with a longer shelf life than soft cheeses, but it can still spoil. Proper storage is essential to prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life. When stored in the fridge, Swiss cheese can last up to four weeks, while freezing can extend its life to six months.
- Off smells: Fresh Swiss cheese has a characteristic mild, nutty aroma. If your cheese develops any sour, sharp, ammonia-like, or rancid odours, it is a sign of spoilage. Some cheeses may have stronger odours naturally, but an unusually strong or unpleasant smell usually indicates bacterial growth or decay.
- Texture changes: Swiss cheese should have a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour, as well as an enjoyable balance of texture. If you notice any slimy or cracked textures, it is a sign of spoilage.
- Discolouration: Swiss cheese should have a consistent colour. Any discolouration may indicate spoilage.
- Mold growth: Mold is a clear indicator that Swiss cheese has gone bad. Any visible mold on the cheese surface means it is unsafe to eat. If mold appears, discard all of the Swiss cheese or cut off the affected area plus an additional half-inch around it using a clean knife to prevent cross-contamination.
When in doubt, trust your senses and discard cheese that seems spoiled. Consuming spoiled cheese can lead to food safety issues, so it's important to regularly check for these signs.
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How to store Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese is categorised as a bacteria-ripened cheese, and its ripening process, moisture content, and temperature all play a part in how quickly it can spoil.
To store Swiss cheese, it is important to first understand the different types of cheese and their moisture content. Soft cheeses like feta, Brie, and Gorgonzola have more moisture and need a little air but not too much. You can store these in a plastic bag or cheese paper. Low-moisture or aged cheeses like Swiss cheese, on the other hand, can be stored in plastic bags or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, it is recommended to slice a bit off the surface before serving. You can also use a reusable container to store Swiss cheese, which is recommended over plastic wrap as it can trap moisture and ammonia, leading to mould formation and destruction of flavour.
If you are storing sliced Swiss deli cheese, it is recommended to keep it in its original store-bought packaging when refrigerating. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze it by wrapping the cheese tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or by placing it in heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen Swiss cheese will keep safe indefinitely at 0°F. Once thawed, it can be kept for an additional 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
When storing Swiss cheese, it is also important to maintain the right temperature. The ideal temperature for storing cheese is between 5°C and 10°C, so the best place to store it is in the central part of the fridge. Make sure to remove the cheese from the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving to allow its natural flavours to come to the fore.
Finally, always check the cheese for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. If it has developed an off odour, flavour, or appearance, or if there is mould, discard the cheese.
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How to serve Swiss cheese
To ensure Swiss cheese lasts as long as possible when unopened, it is best to wrap it in parchment or wax paper, and then loosely in plastic wrap. You can also freeze Swiss cheese by following the same method and adding a final layer of heavy-duty aluminium foil. Stored this way, Swiss cheese will last up to six months in the freezer and three to four weeks in the fridge.
Serving Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a versatile option for many occasions, whether it's a wine and cheese night or a sandwich at lunchtime. Here are some tips to serve it properly:
- Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving. This will take around an hour, but it will be worth the wait as it will allow you to enjoy the cheese at its best and fullest flavour.
- If you have frozen your Swiss cheese, it may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour. In this case, it is best suited to cooked dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles.
- When storing leftover Swiss cheese, make sure to wrap it properly to prevent it from drying out and losing flavour. First wrap it in paper, and then plastic.
- If you are grating or slicing the cheese, it will begin to lose moisture. To prevent this, make sure to wrap any leftovers properly and store them in the fridge.
- Be mindful of the other foods stored in your fridge, as Swiss cheese can easily pick up flavours from its surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
Unopened Swiss cheese will last for 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Unopened Swiss cheese that has gone bad will develop a hard texture, darken in colour, and develop a strong smell. If mould appears, throw away the entire package.
The best way to store unopened Swiss cheese is to wrap it in parchment or wax paper, and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Yes, you can freeze unopened Swiss cheese to extend its shelf life. Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe to eat beyond that.
